Cassava cakes are a traditional dish from Guatemalan cuisine, made from cassava, a root vegetable that is very common in Central and South America. This recipe is very popular in the country and can be prepared in many different ways.
Cassava is a root high in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for making cakes.
In traditional Guatemalan recipes, the cassava is grated finely and mixed with other ingredients such as eggs, fresh cheese, butter, milk, and salt.
The mixture is divided into portions and fried in hot oil until golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
They are a great option to accompany main meals, but can also be served as an appetizer or as part of an informal lunch.
A bit about its history
This recipe has its roots in pre-Hispanic times, as cassava was a staple food of Mesoamerican and South American cultures.
The ancient Maya used cassava to make cakes and other food preparations, and it remains an important part of the diet for many indigenous communities in Guatemala and other regional countries.
Over time, the recipe for cassava cakes has evolved and adapted to local ingredients and tastes.
In the country, this recipe varies by region. For example, on the Caribbean coast, they tend to be sweeter with grated coconut added, while in the highlands, ingredients like chicharrón or beef are used to add flavor.
Additionally, they play an important role in Day of the Dead celebrations, where they are shaped as skulls or skeletons.
Preparation tips
To make delicious cassava cakes, it is important to grate the cassava finely and squeeze it well to remove excess liquid before mixing with other ingredients.
It is also important to fry the cakes in hot oil so they turn out crispy and golden on the outside and soft inside.
You can serve them with a spicy tomato sauce or with guacamole for an extra flavor.
Cassava Cakes
Ingredients
½ kilogram of Cassava
3 tablespoons of Butter
1 Large onion
2 Eggs
1 pinch of Salt
Preparation
Step 1 : Wash, peel, and cut the cassava into medium pieces; boil in a liter of water.
Step 2 : When the cassava is cooked, mash it with a fork, add finely chopped onion, melted butter, and eggs: mix all ingredients.
Step 3 : In a frying pan, heat some oil, then pour in the mixture using a spoon, forming circular shapes similar to tortillas.
Step 4 : Cook on both sides until golden.
Step 5 : Repeat the process as many times as the mixture yields. Enjoy your meal!
Video
Preparation (simple version)
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